In London’s Ward 10, five candidates are currently vying for a council seat, with top concerns among voters revolving around aging infrastructure, traffic congestion, and public safety. Four contenders, namely Steven Edwards, Juman Al-Jumaili, Alex Moore, and Lois Ward, are challenging incumbent Coun. Paul Van Meerbergen, who has represented the ward for four non-consecutive terms. Ward 10 encompasses sections of Bostwick, Cranbrook, and Westmount neighborhoods, with its boundaries mostly unaffected by recent ward boundary adjustments. The upcoming election day for voters is set for Oct. 26.
Incumbent Paul Van Meerbergen has a history of representing Ward 7 from 2003 to 2006 and Ward 10 from 2006 to 2014. He was reelected in 2018 and 2022. Van Meerbergen emphasizes traffic and congestion issues, particularly on key roadways like Wonderland Road. He advocates for widening Wonderland Road to six lanes to alleviate congestion challenges. Despite past attempts to address road expansion, the environmental assessment was halted in 2021 due to concerns over increased demand. Van Meerbergen aims to resume efforts to widen the road if reelected for a third term.
Candidate Steven Edwards, a small security consulting firm owner and former law enforcement professional, emphasizes public safety concerns as a focal point of his campaign. His experience in security enforcement and assisting businesses with security enhancements has driven his interest in addressing anti-social behavior and community safety challenges. Edwards is advocating for increased transparency in city construction projects and cost management to address delays and budget overruns.
Juman Al-Jumaili, another candidate in Ward 10, is focused on improving the city’s management of resources and strategic planning to overcome infrastructure gaps. She highlights issues of property tax hikes and traffic congestion, proposing solutions like redirecting new property tax revenues to infrastructure improvements and selling unused city-owned land. Al-Jumaili’s background in criminology and public administration equips her to address housing insecurity, public safety concerns, and enhance communication with constituents.
Alex Moore, a leadership-oriented candidate, stresses the need for collaborative problem-solving among city council members to address shared challenges across London’s wards. Moore aims to review the city’s budget for efficiencies, broaden the commercial tax base, and enhance accountability in city operations. His experience in the tire industry and small business ownership informs his approach to addressing traffic, construction, and affordability issues.
Lois Ward, a registered massage therapist and long-term Westmount resident, focuses on climate change mitigation, transit improvements, and infrastructure upgrades. She aims to address traffic safety concerns related to congestion and density growth in the ward. Ward advocates for increased investment in transit to reduce traffic congestion, lower road maintenance costs, and enhance housing affordability and support services for vulnerable populations.
As the election approaches, candidates in Ward 10 are actively engaging with voters to address critical issues and present their visions for a better future for the community.
